1

flour in every crevice 
of the wood grained table
homemade noodles

Chelsea Hammons (6)

This reminded me of making homemade chicken and noodles at home. Our counter is textured so it is really hard to make sure we get all of the flour and egg off of the counter.  This reminds me of easter when we made homemade egg noodles for the family. I really enjoyed this memory of cookng with my mom as a child. Abbey Matthews, Fall 2025

2

the cheesy aroma 
I can't decide which
Goldfish or Cheez-its

3

dwindling bank account
spend $6 on a fun drink?
absolutely yes.

Natalie Brodsky (8)

This haiku is just extremely relatable. It gives a sense of, yes, I am in college, and all I do is spend money. I don’t really have job with a steady income, but if I buy anything it’s going to be a fun drink. Again, like I really don’t have the money for this, but I am going to find the money for this. Hope Self, Fall 2025

I just found this very relatable because I spend so much money on coffee. I love going to Starbucks, 7 brew, and buying different energy drinks. I always tell myself that it is a waste of money, but I think it is worth it. I often wonder how much money I have spent on fun drinks over the years. Abbey Matthews, Fall 2025

This was my absolute favorite student haiku because I have this thought every single day. I believe we should spend our money on the things that make us happy, and a fun drink is what keeps me going! Bella Griffiths, Fall 2025

This haiku resonates with me because I always talk about how I don’t want to spend any money but when I pass Starbucks or Seven Brew, I am always okay with spending $6 on a fun drink. Addison Weed, Fall 2025

4

saltiness of the chips
my mouth salivates in
anticipation

5

perfect for a cold night
she tastes her stovetop soup
and smiles at the warmth

6

avocado toast
with salty seasoning
sweet balsamic glaze

Grace Felz (3)

7

delicate eggs
cooked to perfection
a hug from behind

8

toast it golden
smear that cream cheese
the perfect bagel

9

warmth of the oven
the smell of cookies
draws me in

Emily Edwards

This haiku is really nice. I have a bit of a sweet tooth, so I can definitely get behind the idea of eating some cookies. While I haven’t personally baked myself, I can almost smell the fresh cookies mentioned in the haiku. I also find it to be pleasantly mundane – domestic, even. It honestly makes me think of someone who’s baking with their kids or something. Nissi Bamgboye, Fall 2025

10

ordered Popeyes and
drove to a friend’s apartment
everything is lukewarm

11

pile of grimy dishes
trash overflowing
one fresh pie

Coraline Nelson (7)

I really enjoy this haiku because of the juxtaposition of how you feel at the beginning vs how you feel at the end. I was quite impressed with Coral’s ability to do that in only three short lines. At first I had a feeling of disgust and dread because having trash and dishes piled up can be quite overwhelming, which often leads to me leaving them untouched for too long. However, the very last line ties this poem into a beautiful bow because now I know that this mess was created because they were baking a pie. While the dishes and trash are still overwhelming, it’s more of a happily chosen mess rather than a mess that is the product of depression. Hannah Swan, Fall 2025

This haiku is the epitome of me when baking. While I always try to clean up as I go, somehow I end up with seemingly more of a mess than I started with. This happens especially when I make homemade crust for my pies because the process is so long to get it perfect. After it's made, there's always a big mess of flour over my kitchen table when using the rolling pin. I also am a chronic paper towel user, so more often than not, a whole roll will end up used in the trash can. The imagery created is really nice and I love the contrast of gross dishes to a yummy pie. Natalie Brodsky, Fall 2025

12

fresh coffee
a strong aroma
on a winter day

Colin Arrick (7)

I really like this haiku because it reminds me of my job. I currently work at 7brew coffee, and I just started a few months ago so I haven't worked through the winter season yet. This haiku definitely got me imagining the smell of coffee through the brisk air outside while I go run a customer's hot coffee out to lane 2. Jordana Samnick, Fall 2025

This poem just really reminds me of my dad. He will always put on a pot of coffee in the morning, without fail. I loved the feeling in the morning when I would wake up to the house being colder than usual because of the snow and coming downstairs to smell the coffee and getting a warm sensation in my chest. I can practically see my dad with his “#1 dad!” coffee mug I got for Fathers Day when I was in 4th grade that he still insists on using. Always wearing some sort of striped/plaid/checkered type button up with jeans and his work shoes. I miss seeing this when I am at school! Natalie Brodsky, Fall

13

driving in November
for the first time
I have food to bring

Coraline Nelson (4)

This haiku does an excellent job of setting the scene as well as describing a seemingly indescribable feeling. The mention of November immediately put me in the late fall season with red leaves falling from trees and temperatures falling drastically. The other primary feature of November is Thanksgiving, and having food to bring to the holiday indicates growing up. Being in a huge “growing up” phase in my life, it’s relatable to think about all the new responsibilities and things that I can do that I could not do in the past. The passing of time is naturally somber, but this haiku brings hope to that passing by looking at new abilities as a good thing rather than just more responsibilities. Asa Pilger, Fall 2025

14

orange oven window
homemade pizza
just for her

Coraline Nelson (5)

15

slicing the apples 
perfecting the lattice 
can't let her down

16

the scent of blueberry muffins 
grandma's oven door
creaks open

17

crack of the shell
taco Tuesday is here
joy with every bite

18

argument in the car
my favorite donut
tastes less sweet

Asa Pilger (9)

To be honest, I really didn’t notice this haiku until it was pointed out by Sam. Once I did notice it, I realized how much I related to it. I have been in this situation countless times, and confrontations in the car are one of my least favorite things, and I feel like maybe that is why I ended up skipping over this one. Nonetheless, it is very relatable, very real, and even if you can’t relate, I feel like he does a very good job of allowing the reader to put themselves in the shoes of the person in this haiku. Jordana Samnick, Fall 2025

I love this haiku because I’ve lived this experience exactly. I remember sitting in the back of my mom’s minivan, savoring a strawberry sprinkle doughnut from dunkin, and falling into an argument with my Mom. The juxtaposition of being bought a sweet treat and then arguing with the person who bought it for me, left me feeling sour and somehow ungrateful. The doughnut no longer tasted good and guiltless, it tasted like a reminder of how I was partially responsible for the mood shift in the car. It tasted like guilt, but I ate it anyway because its my favorite doughnut :) Amanda Spotts, Fall 2025

I enjoyed this haiku because it made me imagine the uncomfortable silence after an argument and you can almost feel the anger in the air. You feel like the day has been dull, no longer have the motivation to eat or laugh. It just shuts you down in a way that takes time to feel like you are back to normal again. It felt like an experience that everyone can relate to and the juxtaposition between an argument and sweetness go very well together. Sam Ramirez, Fall 2025

19

empty fridge
homework overdue
college life

20

cooking food
then cleaning up
where did mom go

Hope Self

My two favorite haiga were number 20, which I gave a III, and number 11 which I gave a II. The first one immediately reminded me of my ol friends with the picture and changing the letters to be part of the word. I also understood th haiga as my mother used to make me bagels every morning and this haiga just brought me back to that memory. Colin Arrick, Fall 2025

21

20k over my head 
over juiced orange 
coming apart 

22

belly rumbles
classroom eyes
stare

Bella Griffiths (4)

I am in class last fall. I had three back-to-back classes over the entire lunch hour. So, by the time I get to my last class, I am starving. My stomach is growling. I am trying so hard to focus, but I just end up watching the clock. I cannot wait for class to be over so I can eat. Another rumble, much louder than the others. I look around to see if anyone else heard it. I catch a few glances and suddenly feel self-conscious. It feels like everyone is watching now. Emily Edwards, Fall 2025

This haiku caught my attention because I am in that situation all the time, hungry and trying my best to focus in class. Feeling anxious about everyone noticing and trying your best to remain silent. It highlights the feeling of wanting to fit in and not stand out in the classroom in an embarrassing way. We all crave validation and connection so feeling publicly humiliated makes us feel socially rejected. I often times feel anxious being confined to a room with other students who I am not particularly comfortable with/close to. Sam Ramirez, Fall 2025

23

almost too much to bear
the cost
of being Home

24

comforter out of the dryer
radiating warmth
a comforting hug

25

threading in and out like a needle 
I lace up ribbons 
ready to dance 

Jordana Samnick (3)

26

I backspace for the millionth time 
but that line 
never comes

Jordana Samnick (7)

I relate to this on so many levels. I do creative writing as a hobby, and writer’s block is unfortunately a frequent companion. Sometimes I write hundreds of words in a few hours, and others, I’m struggling to write 100 words in half an hour. This haiku (and the class in general!) has made me look back and appreciate my hobby a bit more, so I’ll definitely label this one as a favorite. Nissi Bamgboye, Fall 2025

27

late at night 
when no one is watching,  
my mother cries

Sam Ramirez

I like this haiku because it reminds me of my mom. She is someone who tries to stay so strong all the time and never likes to show any sign of weakness to her kids. There have been times when I notice her sad, dealing with her emotions all alone. I try to support her in the ways I can and help her out. She tries to stay so strong for us and deserves the world. Grace Pelz, Fall 2025

28

music blasts
sweats drips off me
I love to dance

Natalie Brodsky

I don't necessarily dance, but I liked this haiku because I love music. I listen to music when I work out and when I swim, so this is very relatable. Going to the gym, listening to music and sweating is one of the best parts of my day. I can forget my troubles and just focus on the music and working out. That's why I liked this haiku. Ridge Batchelor, Fall 2025

29

visiting his hometown  
no one  
remembers him

30

grabbing my new doll  
i see 
my dad's calloused hands

Sam Ramirez

This haiku is also very relatable because I am aware of how hard my parents work in order to give me life they did not have. They are always there for me with everything and I am very grateful. Bella Griffiths, Fall 2025

31

laundry to fold
dishes to clean
meals to eat, repeat . . .

32

headphones on
“lock in,” I say
as I dance away

Grace Felz

This haiku is another relatable one that stuck out to me. It brings me to gameday when your pump up music makes you move and "locks" you in just like it needed to. Bella Griffiths, Fall 2025

33

another tragedy
must carry on.
homework due at 11:59

Grace Felz (6)

This haiku is very relatable to me. So often, I’ll see or hear about major world events occurring on the news as my family watches, but rather than being able to discuss what’s happening with them, I’m stuck on the computer completing a seemingly endless stream of assignments for various classes. It leads one to wonder what’s more important: having a deep understanding of what’s going on in the world, or answering a few questions that, admittedly, we may never see the same type of again. Asa Pilger, Fall 2025

I liked this haiku because it was relatable and true. Even if something tragic and sad happens to you, you still have to keep going. The world doesn’t slow down and let you rest, it keeps on going. You have to keep going, even if it's hard. That's why I liked this haiku. Ridge Batchelor, Fall 2025

34

moonlight and lamp rays
mingle softly
I study at my desk

Nicole Wells

I love this haiku because it encapsulates the light with words beautifully. I love the word mingle to describe beams of light. There is a certain softness of light at night. Cold light bothers my eyes, so I imagined a mixture of warm lamp light and silvery moonlight filling the window. I am a lighting nerd so this haiku awoke my imagination immediately. Whenever I’m still, the beauty of the light that I am in is usually one of the first things I notice. I love existing in the soft presence of light. “I study at my desk”. Amanda Spotts, Fall 2025

35

big yellow bus
I slip off the steps
show crunches below me

36

late night studying 
tired from softball practice
a fresh cup of coffee

Abbey Matthews (3)

37

long missed family
come to visit
two days, not enough

Emily Edwards

This is a haiku that I connect my emotions with because I am going to visit home for a few days in about two weeks. The days will go by fast, and it will not be enough time to share all the stories and things we want to do when I am away at school for months. I am excited to see my family but when I leave, I always have that sad feeling of missing them. Addison Weed, Fall 2025

38

a fresh vein to poke
nursing classmates watching 
don't miss  !

Abbey Matthews (4)

39

young daughter
fading fast         tea party
with Jesus

40

a bug on my knee
a woodpecker in the tree
I breathe

41

leaving work
for my second job
assignment whack-a-mole

Emily Edwards (3)

I think the last line in this haiku is what particularly draws me to it. The phrase “whack-a-mole” is kind of silly, but also I believe a perfect representation of college. We are so busy going from place to place, or job to job, and then we realize we have an assignment due. This could be an assignment we forgot about, or another assignment a teacher just gave out to add onto all of the other things we have to do. Hope Self, Fall 2025

42

midnight chats . . .
laughter spills out open doors
into the hall

Addison Weed (8)

This haiku reminds me of my home at Pi Beta Phi. We are all really close in the house so people often leave their doors open for guests to wander in. My favorite moment in all my years of living in the house have been completely accidental. I’ll be on my way to my room, I see someone’s door open, and I’ll just pop in and join in on whatever the group is talking about. This often leads the group of us chatting and giggling late into the night. I never want to pull myself away from these conversations because I know I have early classes, but when I wake up in the morning, I know that the reason I’m tired is because I was spending time with the people I love. Hannah Swan, Fall 2025

43

kiss but never tell
she clutches the crinkled pages
to her chest

44

early daffodils 
squelched by the snow
decompose into the earth

45

knowing my name
she talks and listens to me
not just about grades

Abbey Matthews (4)

46

deformed spongebob
just as beautiful
as the day we lost you

47

old toys in a box
watch on at their kid
proud of them

Asa Pilger (4)

My mind immediately went to Toy Story. I think of the toys being "alive" and watching the kid who used to play with them grow up. They have gotten to an age where they do not play with toys anymore and they are thrown in an old box. This is a bittersweet moment for the toys, but they are ultimately proud of who the kids have become. Abbey Matthews, Fall 2025

48

the aerator runs
making a hole in the ice
the geese call home

49

eyes heavy
while friends chatter
I don’t want to miss anything

Hope Self (5)
 
This Haiku takes me back to my senior prom. I went with a group of friends. After after-prom, we all went back to Grace’s house to spend the night. We decided to watch a movie: Deadpool. I had never seen it before. We waited for her dad, the pastor, to go to bed, but by then I was so tired (it’s like 2 or 3 AM at this point). I am trying to watch the movie and keep up with my friends’ conversation, but my eyes keep fluttering shut. I am fighting sleep so hard. I did not want to miss anything. I fell asleep about twenty minutes into the movie and did not wake up until it was over. When I woke up, I was so worried I had missed something, but then I realized most of the others had fallen asleep too. I guess I did not miss anything but the movie. I still have not finished the movie. Emily Edwards, Fall 2025

I heavily relate to this haiku since I never want to miss out on activities that my friends are doing. I have the fear of missing out, and I try my hardest to stay up late to hang out with them since I love them so much and miss them. It feels like a rare occasion to be able to hang out with my hometown friends now, so every moment that I get with them I extremely value. Grace Pelz, Fall 2025

50

baby cries
back asleep before
I reach the crib

51

packed room
not a hint of silence
I love it here